Specifically, Emirates is looking ordering 100 to 175 777X airliners, becoming the launch customer for the revamped version of Boeing's large, two-engine jet, according to the story. The order could top $30 billion at list prices, although customers routinely get substantial discounts.

Boeing's current record order is Lion Air's deal to buy 230 737s, worth $22.4 billion at list prices.

Emirates is the largest 777 customer in the world, with 139 ordered, including 61 yet to be delivered. That's nearly twice as much as second-place Singapore Airlines, which has ordered 73 777s.

Emirates also is looking into buying more Airbus wide-body aircraft, including super-jumbo A380s and composite A350s, The Financial Times reported.